[center][img]http://blog.silive.com/weather/2008/03/night_space_shuttle_launch.jpg[/img][/center] 
[center][i]The launch pad at the International Space Center of the One World Alliance. [/i]
[/center]
[i]Three...

Two...

One. 

BWFOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH[/i]

The exploration ship lifted off of the ground with a primal roar, rattling Alex in his seat. Even though he was strapped down, he was flung back and forth, shaking against the straps. Eventually, the crushing force found a direction, and pushed downwards. He didn't even know who was in the pilot's seat, next to him. Eyes being squeezed from the pressure, he shut them tightly, and for the rest of the ascent into space, clutched the armrests of the chair as if they were his lifeline. When they reached orbital level, he exhaled raggedly, panting in his suit. Opening his eyes slowly, he pushed the button on the control panel that would release the seat straps. Pushing himself out of the large-backed chair, he pulled a switch that slowly turned the gravity generator on. Tearing the helmet off of his face, he hung it on a hook on the wall. Turning to the pilot, he said, [b]"Well, it would seem that we made it up in one piece. Didn't think we would make it, what with all the banging around." [/b]